Saturday the 19th of June brought sad news as the world learned that Biden's dog Champ had died peacefully at the age of 13.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden are mourning the loss of their long-time companion, with the gentle German Shepherd having been a much-loved member of their family since he was just a puppy.
“Our hearts are heavy today as we let you all know that our beloved German Shepherd, Champ, passed away peacefully at home. “He was our constant, cherished companion during the last 13 years and was adored by the entire Biden family.”
Today, we’re taking a look back at some of Champ’s best moments, including the special bond he shared with his pet parents.
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Biden's dog Champ: 2008-2021
Whether it was chasing the Biden's grandchildren around the lawn of their Delaware home or adding a comforting presence to the many meetings Joe and Jill attended, Champ's favorite place was by his family's side.
"In our most joyful moments and in our most grief-stricken days, he was there with us, sensitive to our every unspoken feeling and emotion," the Bidens said. "We love our sweet, good boy and will miss him always."
While there are too many sweet and special moments to capture them all, here are a few images that paint a picture of what this humble hound was all about...
Favorite game? Golf!
"He's a talker," says Biden in this sweet video clip that shows Champ getting all excited at the thought of going to play golf with his dad.
And it seems that Champ's love of golf has been there right from the beginning with Jill Biden stating on her Facebook page that in his younger days, there was nothing Champ loved more than chasing golf balls on the front lawn of the Naval Observatory.
A reluctant star
While he may have loved golf balls, Champ was camera shy, often turning his head away from the lens whenever Joe and Jill tried to snap his photo.
From pup to presidential pooch
Journey back to where it all began with these sweet photos of Champ that show his humble beginnings and eventual home at the White House.
The Bidens got Champ in 2008 when he was just a puppy and soon afterward they moved into the vice president's official residence at the Naval Observatory. The President says his name came from something his father used to say to him - "Any time you get knocked down, champ — get up!"
Foodie furbaby
What was Champ's favorite food? Well as it turns out, he was pretty darn partial to some ice cream on a hot day!
Man's best friend
While he was devoted to the entire Biden family, it was Joe who was Champ's best friend
The calm big brother
This hilarious clip shows a chilled out Champ and an energetic Major preparing for Christmas 2020.
Home is wherever you are
"Even as Champ’s strength waned in his last months, when we came into a room, he would immediately pull himself up, his tail always wagging, and nuzzle us for an ear scratch or a belly rub," the Biden's said in their statement.
"Wherever we were, he wanted to be, and everything was instantly better when he was next to us," they said. "He loved nothing more than curling up at our feet in front of a fire at the end of the day, joining us as a comforting presence in meetings, or sunning himself in the White House garden."
